Performing La Mestiza

Textual Representations of Lesbians of Color and the Negotiation of Identities

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Sociology
Cover of the book Performing La Mestiza by Ellen M. Gil-Gomez, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Ellen M. Gil-Gomez ISBN: 9781351819442
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: October 6, 2017
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Ellen M. Gil-Gomez
ISBN: 9781351819442
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: October 6, 2017
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

This book, first published in 2000, explores the intersections of race, gender and gay identities in writings by contemporary American lesbians of colour in order to show how this subject is sometimes ignored, sometimes brutalised and is very rarely able to survive on her own terms by constructing her own identity acts of cultural revision. The author places the lesbian of colour in the context of current identity theories showing the ever-present blind spots within current theoretical paradigms, she then reads a variety of writings by lesbians of colour describing the possibilities that exist for these subjects in textual and social realities. The author shows the varied communities that threaten the existence of this subject, as well as the limits that dictate the subject's ability to create her self. By bridging Judith Butler's Gender Trouble and Gloria Anzaldua's New Mestiza she describes how lesbians of colour can survive numerous sites of hostility by constructing a positive identity within her home community through revising cultural traditions and history.

After considering the power of these acts of revision, the author calls for the empowered performance of the mestiza state - the state of contradiction wherein the lesbian of colour finds herself. This book is the first to analyse creative and theoretical works by African American, Asian American, Latina and Native American communities and writers through the lens of lesbian studies. Authors include recognised figures such as Audre Lorde, Ana Castillo and Paula Gunn Allen, as well as lesser known authors like Best Brant, Natashia Lopez and Willyce Kim. It provides a corrective to Butler's empowering but essentially white vision of performing identity, so that lesbians of colour can claim their identities and remain tied to their own cultural traditions. Ultimately, the author asks for a reconsideration of the value of identity studies that articulate monolithic identities and whose analyses perpetuate what they seek to disrupt.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This book, first published in 2000, explores the intersections of race, gender and gay identities in writings by contemporary American lesbians of colour in order to show how this subject is sometimes ignored, sometimes brutalised and is very rarely able to survive on her own terms by constructing her own identity acts of cultural revision. The author places the lesbian of colour in the context of current identity theories showing the ever-present blind spots within current theoretical paradigms, she then reads a variety of writings by lesbians of colour describing the possibilities that exist for these subjects in textual and social realities. The author shows the varied communities that threaten the existence of this subject, as well as the limits that dictate the subject's ability to create her self. By bridging Judith Butler's Gender Trouble and Gloria Anzaldua's New Mestiza she describes how lesbians of colour can survive numerous sites of hostility by constructing a positive identity within her home community through revising cultural traditions and history.

After considering the power of these acts of revision, the author calls for the empowered performance of the mestiza state - the state of contradiction wherein the lesbian of colour finds herself. This book is the first to analyse creative and theoretical works by African American, Asian American, Latina and Native American communities and writers through the lens of lesbian studies. Authors include recognised figures such as Audre Lorde, Ana Castillo and Paula Gunn Allen, as well as lesser known authors like Best Brant, Natashia Lopez and Willyce Kim. It provides a corrective to Butler's empowering but essentially white vision of performing identity, so that lesbians of colour can claim their identities and remain tied to their own cultural traditions. Ultimately, the author asks for a reconsideration of the value of identity studies that articulate monolithic identities and whose analyses perpetuate what they seek to disrupt.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Writing Under Control by Ellen M. Gil-Gomez
Cover of the book Stroke, Body Image, and Self Representation by Ellen M. Gil-Gomez
Cover of the book Peace Through Education (Routledge Revivals) by Ellen M. Gil-Gomez
Cover of the book Comparative Vandalism by Ellen M. Gil-Gomez
Cover of the book Calvin by Ellen M. Gil-Gomez
Cover of the book China and the World Economy by Ellen M. Gil-Gomez
Cover of the book Proceedings of the 2001 Fourth International Conference on Cognitive Modeling by Ellen M. Gil-Gomez
Cover of the book Discourse, Desire, and Fantasy in Jurgen Habermas' Critical Theory by Ellen M. Gil-Gomez
Cover of the book Promoting Sustainable Local and Community Economic Development by Ellen M. Gil-Gomez
Cover of the book Building Jerusalem by Ellen M. Gil-Gomez
Cover of the book Early Parenting and Prevention of Disorder by Ellen M. Gil-Gomez
Cover of the book James Joyce. Volume 2: 1928-41 by Ellen M. Gil-Gomez
Cover of the book Youth Rising? by Ellen M. Gil-Gomez
Cover of the book The New Global Politics by Ellen M. Gil-Gomez
Cover of the book Social Archaeologies of Trade and Exchange by Ellen M. Gil-Gomez
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy